“Les Miserables” is, of course, the classic epic novel by Victor Hugo, which tells the story of love, grudge, and redemption against the backdrop of the French Revolution. Most people, when they think of it, think of the musical adaptation, winner of multiple Tony awards in 1987. The novel actually has a long and varied history of adaptations, including an Oscar-nominated film in 1935 (Best Picture), a 1937 radio adaptation by Orson Welles (for more on he and his wiles, check out his documentary F For Fake), a 1978 TV adaptation starring Anthony Perkins, Psycho's Norman Bates, as Javert, the well-known 1998 film with Liam Neeson and Geoffrey Rush, and another TV adaptation in 2000 with John Malkovich and Gerard Depardieu. And yet, judging by popular opinion, the musical appears to be the most beloved.
Hence, last year's new film version of Les Miserables was a sure thing, adapting the stage musical for the screen (with perhaps a few differences musically). Hugh Jackman stars as Jean Valjean, the former convict who escapes parole to try to become a decent, respectable man, adopting Cosette (Isabelle Allen / Amanda Seyfried), the daughter of the prostitute Fantine (Anne Hathaway). Meanwhile, he is pursued by the law officer Javert (Russell Crowe), all against the backdrop of the French Revolution.
The film was nominated for eight Oscars at this year's Academy Awards, including Best Picture, winning three. Tonight, Monday, you can see this film for free at Central Park in Old Louisville, presented by Kentucky Shakespeare. The park is located between 4th and 6th Streets to the east and west, and Park and Magnolia Ave. to the north and south. The movie will start at 9:00. The full lineup of Monday Night Movies can be found at the KY Shakes website.
Image: Internet Movie Database
